Selling alcohol online can be a profitable venture, but it comes with a set of legal and licensing requirements that must be met. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps and information needed to sell alcohol online in the UK, ensuring you remain compliant with the law.
Before you start selling alcohol online, it’s essential to determine whether you need a licence. The simple answer is yes, if you plan to sell alcohol in the UK, you need the appropriate licences. This includes obtaining a Personal Licence and a Premises Licence. These licences allow you to legally sell alcohol and ensure that you’re operating within the law.
Selling alcohol online in the UK requires obtaining two licences:
To sell alcohol, the person responsible for the alcohol sales must hold a Personal Licence. This licence allows you to legally sell alcohol, either for on-site consumption or retail.
To obtain a Personal Licence, you’ll need to complete APLH training course and pass the necessary exam. Once you’ve passed, you can apply to your local council for the licence.
For a step-by-step breakdown of the process, learn how to get an Alcohol Personal Licence in the UK.
If you are selling alcohol from a physical location, whether a store or a warehouse, you will also need a Premises Licence. This licence authorises a specific location to sell alcohol. You’ll need to apply for this licence with your local council, and they will assess your application based on your business and the premises you operate from.
Want to better understand the roles of each licence?
Read more about the differences between a Personal Licence and a Premises Licence
Alcohol licences in the UK aren’t just a bureaucratic requirement, they serve important public safety and regulatory purposes. Understanding these objectives helps you appreciate your responsibilities as a seller.
The key objectives of alcohol licensing include:
Each of these objectives guides the decisions of local licensing authorities when granting or reviewing licences.
When selling alcohol online, age verification is a legal requirement. You must verify that all customers purchasing alcohol are over the age of 18. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in significant penalties, including fines and suspension of licences.
To ensure compliance, you must implement robust age verification systems at the point of sale and delivery. Age verification can be done manually by requesting a customer’s date of birth, or you can use third-party verification services like AgeChecked, VerifyMyAge, or Yoti. Additionally, make sure to check photo identification when delivering alcohol to confirm the recipient’s age.
Now that you understand the legalities and licences required, the next step is setting up your online alcohol business.
You’ll need to decide whether to sell on your own website or use third-party platforms like Amazon. Each platform has its own set of requirements, so it’s essential to ensure that your business complies with both platform rules and the law.
As we discussed earlier, obtaining a Personal Licence and a Premises Licence is a must. This ensures that you can legally sell alcohol online and deliver it to customers. You will need to ensure that both licences are up to date to avoid legal issues down the line.
Age verification is one of the most critical aspects of selling alcohol online. This ensures that underage individuals cannot purchase alcohol from your business. Make use of third-party services or set up manual systems to verify the age of customers at checkout and at the point of delivery.
Another essential element is ensuring that alcohol is only delivered to individuals who are legally allowed to purchase it. This includes checking photo ID at the point of delivery and ensuring that your delivery service complies with alcohol delivery rules.
To get your Personal Licence, you’ll first need to complete the APLH course. This is a legal requirement. Hurak makes the whole process simple, and we can even apply for your Personal Licence on your behalf. Start with the APLH Course | Apply for a Personal Licence We also offer full support for your Premises Licence application. Apply for a Premises Licence.
Selling liquor online can be slightly more complicated due to the specific rules around alcohol sales on various platforms. It’s important to choose the right platform for your business and ensure that it supports the sale of alcohol. Some online marketplaces like Amazon have strict rules about alcohol sales and may require you to meet specific criteria to list your products.
Reselling alcohol online is a tricky area. To resell alcohol legally, you need to ensure that the alcohol is sourced from a licensed supplier and that all necessary documentation is in place. Reselling alcohol without the correct licences can lead to severe penalties, including the revocation of your licence or even criminal charges.
While the upfront costs of setting up your business may not be excessive, there are some ongoing costs to consider:
When deciding where to sell alcohol online, you have several options. You can set up your own website, or you can use third-party platforms like Amazon. Each option has its pros and cons, so consider what best suits your business model.
Before launching your online alcohol business, ensure you’ve completed the necessary legal steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
To legally sell alcohol, you must hold a Personal Licence. This requires completing the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) course. After obtaining the qualification, you can apply for the licence through your local council. Hurak offers assistance with the application process and streamlines it for you.
Even for online sales, a Premises Licence is required for the location where alcohol is stored or dispatched. This could be a warehouse, office, or your home, provided it meets licensing criteria. You’ll also need to designate a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), typically the Personal Licence holder.
The law mandates robust age verification to prevent underage alcohol sales. Your online platform must incorporate digital age checks at checkout, and delivery personnel should verify the customer’s age upon delivery. Various tools are available to integrate these checks seamlessly into your e-commerce operations.
Decide whether to sell through your website, online marketplaces, or delivery apps. Ensure the chosen platform supports age verification and complies with alcohol sale regulations. Each platform has distinct requirements, so select one that aligns with your business model and licensing obligations.
Clearly state age restrictions and delivery terms on your website. Include disclaimers on product pages, during checkout, and in delivery policies. Ensure delivery staff are trained to request valid ID before handing over alcohol, maintaining compliance with legal requirements.
Alcohol licensing laws can evolve, so it’s crucial to stay updated. Regularly consult your local authority’s website for changes and seek professional advice when necessary. Staying informed ensures your business remains compliant and avoids potential legal issues.
Learn More About Personal Licence Requirements
By following these steps and utilising Hurak’s resources, you can confidently establish and operate your online alcohol business within the legal framework.
Selling alcohol online is entirely legal, as long as you follow the right licensing and compliance steps. But failing to meet these legal obligations can result in severe penalties, including unlimited fines or even imprisonment under the Licensing Act 2003.
Avoid these risks by ensuring your business is properly licensed and that you have the systems in place to meet all legal requirements, such as age verification and secure delivery.
